Shaggy-Do

Even with my new short cut, I started shedding quite a bit this week so decided a proactive haircut was needed. I started with a lovely pompadour/mohawk look, and I must say I rocked it (though the photo does not do it justice). I've decided that after I get through treatment I'm going to have a mid-life crisis during which I sport age-inappropriate hair-dos. Shocking purple, spikes... that sort of thing. Nothing like a spot of cancer to instigate a "I don't give a rat's a** what anybody else thinks I look like" attitude! Let's see if I can still manage that frame of mind when I'm completely bald... ;)

I've heard that sometimes family members will also shave their heads in solidarity. Since "shorn" is John's typical look, he's decided to go the opposite direction; he's not cutting his hair until mine starts to grow back. I'm not certain I'll be able to survive that -- I already think he looks like a shaggy hippie.

My dad and step-mom have been here all week which has been fun though I've been somewhat hampered by throwing my back out. I had visions of hiking all over Sonoma County with them and getting my strength back before my next chemo treatment (tomorrow), but mostly we've done short little jaunts. They stayed in their Airstream on our land (they got to stay on the land even before we did, dagnabbit!), and they have had everything they need thanks to the ongoing kindness of our new neighbors, especially Bill & Cheryl, and Steve & Carrie, who let them hook up to both water and power. What a luxe life!

I made it through round 1 of chemo with flying colors and even my oncologist was impressed with how limited the symptoms were and how quickly I was able to rebound, so I'm crossing my fingers and toes that round 2 goes just as smoothly. Onward!

The Bad Blogger is Back

Perhaps "bad" is a bit strong, but the Extremely Tardy Blogger is very accurate. Currently, my computer time is somewhat limited so I've mostly spent it on work, but really... a month without a post is waaaaaay too long. My apologies for the lengthy post.

SO! Last Monday the 7th was my first chemo treatment. It went very smoothly, though took about 4 hours since it was the first one and they had a lot to explain to me. The process itself is easy -- I just got hooked up to an IV, and sat around while it dripped in. I did a healing meditation, did some visualization, chatted with John, and zoned out.

I had help from various healing tchotchke friends and family have sent me, including: a beautiful scarf from John's mom (which received several unsolicited compliments!); a Zuni fetish healing bear made from Picasso granite (in the picture, he is covered with corn pollen; according to the Zuni, "When you offer corn to your fetish, in return you will be blessed."); a cheerful daisy bauble; a poem by Phillip Boothe called "First Lesson"; and my always-ready-for-a-hug Cubebot Julien (this is what he looks like when he is in cube mode: http://www.brilliantpuzzles.com/assets/images/Areaware/Cubebot_Julien_2.jpg). And of course, I also had the incredible assistance of thoughts and prayers from far and near.

The day after chemo I felt fine, but days 3 and 4 found me nested in the sofa.  My stomach was sensitive (but no nausea), my mouth was a bit rough (it's made up of rapidly dividing cells, which the chemo kills), and I was tired, but honestly the effects were not any stronger than the flu might be so I consider myself quite lucky. By Friday I was feeling much better, and though I'm still getting my strength back I've felt better each day. I also had to do five days of self-administered shots to stimulate the growth of blood cells, so had some achy bones and a bit of a fever, but again, nothing worse than if I had done something physically taxing.

Johnny spent the weekend at a straw bale building conference (we'll start a blog about THAT process soon!), and my Three Amigas, Kelly, Loretta, and Jane, came up from San Francisco to Kerstin-sit. They came loaded with incredible food and trashy magazines, and not only kept me entertained and comfortable all weekend, they also did household chores and doggie duty. I felt like a slightly sleepy princess, and we all decided that we shouldn't wait for an excuse like chemo-care to treat ourselves to a fun weekend together, so hope to do it again soon.

Monday (yesterday), I went in for the "nadir" blood work. Nadir means "low point" and they want to make sure I'm back on an upward trajectory. So, yup, the blood cells were a bit low, but nothing to be concerned about. The next step is approximately two weeks more of recovery and then the next round of chemo on the 28th.

Unfortunately, today I threw out my back, so THAT is causing me some pain, but luckily for me I some some good pain pills at my disposal. My dad and his wife Nancy (and the dog and the new kitten) arrive in their Air Stream at the end of this week, so I'm hoping I'm in fighting shape to keep up with them by that time. (Who am I kidding; even when I'm at full steam keeping up with them is difficult.)

Continued thanks for the emails, cards, flowers, and just plain good thoughts. I'm sending my best wishes to each and everyone one of you, and hoping they flow out to your family and friends too.

oxoxoxox
Kerstin